Telenor Launches New Service

Telenor Satellite Services today announced the commercial launch of Telenor Fleet F55, the first high-speed data solution available for coastal and regional vessels and large yachts. The company also announced that it plans to commercially launch the third member of the Inmarsat Fleet family, Fleet F33, by the end of November. The two new services provide small to medium-sized vessels a powerful communications solution incorporating global voice and a range of data and fax services. Telenor Fleet F55 service offers maritime customers high-speed data communications, at up to 64kbps, in smaller equipment suitable for smaller vessels. F55 service provides users the flexibility of mobile ISDN and Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS), where users pay for the amount of information sent and received rather than for the amount of airtime. Fleet F55 delivers fast e-mail, Internet and intranet access, image and video communications, along with the added service benefit of "always on" connectivity and immediate communications for users opting to use the mobile packet data service. Telenor's Fleet F33 brings the benefit of global voice and advanced data communications to leisure boats, fishing vessels, and other small vessels that before were unable to enjoy a complete array of satellite communications due to equipment size and weight. In addition to global digital calling, Fleet F33 provides a variety of data services at speeds up to 9.6kbps and Telenor and Inmarsat plan to offer mobile packet data service for F33 in the future "With the launch of Fleet F55 and the imminent availability of our F33 service, Telenor is delivering on its commitment to make 'remote connections routine' for the maritime industry," said Tore Hilde, chief executive officer of Telenor Satellite Services. "The voice and data capabilities available through the Fleet family of services offer access to real-time information and the promise of 'always on' connectivity to a wide range of vessels - from ocean-going commercial ships to recreational and pleasure boats." Telenor has also enhanced its Fleet F77 service by adding a new cost-effective 9.6 data and fax capability to its mix of offerings. Telenor was among the first Inmarsat service providers to commercially offer Fleet F77 service in April 2002.